Department for Transport

Aviation: Disability

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide enforcement powers to the Civil Aviation Authority, commensurate with those available in the EU and the United States,given the withdrawal of Article 16 of EU regulation 1107/2006, which previously provided for action in individual breaches of the relevant code.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government is committed to protecting the rights of passengers when travelling by air and consulted on a range of consumer issues in the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation. This included seeking views on additional administrative powers for the CAA to enforce consumer protection laws, and what more can be done to protect those with accessibility needs when travelling by air, including increased compensation for damage to wheelchairs and mobility equipment for domestic UK flights. We are currently conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of responses and will set out next steps shortly. The revocation of Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, as retained in UK law following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU), does not mean that Regulation 1107/2006 is unenforceable. Article 16 was a provision addressed to EU Member States to lay down rules on penalties for breach of the Regulation, which the UK had already done. As the UK has left the EU, it is no longer required or appropriate.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to match the target of other G7 countries by increasing the UK's contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 30 per cent; and what assessment they have made of the effect on the UK's reputation as a reliable international partner if they do not commit to make that increase in their contribution.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Global health remains a priority for the UK. We are a founding donor of the Global Fund and its third largest donor historically, investing over £4.4 billion to date. At the seventh replenishment pledging conference, the UK committed to remain a strong supporter of the Global Fund, continuing to provide significant financial and political leadership, and to announce our pledge in the coming weeks.

China: Prisoners

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that forced organ harvesting continues to be practised in China; and what representations they have made to the government of China to end this practice.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We continue to monitor and review evidence relating to reports of forced organ harvesting in China and maintain a dialogue with leading NGOs and international partners on the issue. The Government's position remains that, if true, the practice of systematic, state-sponsored organ harvesting would constitute a serious violation of human rights.The UK Government regularly raises the human rights situation in China directly with the Chinese authorities at the highest levels. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary did so in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart on 20 September.